Kyiv faces record air raid alerts as Russia launches round-the-clock drone strikes

Kyiv is experiencing a record number of daily air raid alerts since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, with new round-the-clock strikes causing major disruption to schools, businesses, and transport. Russia's tactic of daytime attacks has forced residents to seek shelter up to 13 times a day. Analysis of government figures shows alerts have averaged 10 times daily since late August, with a peak of 76 in one week, surpassing the previous high of 66 in February 2022. Russia's use of faster jet-powered drones, which are harder to shoot down, has compounded the threat, with Ukraine's air force downing only about 60 percent of them. In response, Ukraine is developing new high-speed interceptors and planning a two-tier warning system to allow some activities to continue during less severe alerts. Analysts warn Russia aims to weaken morale and damage the economy, with fears of a tough winter ahead as attacks may shift to energy infrastructure.